12-year-old Jesse Parkinson

Perisher and Saas-Fee 2017

When you watch 12-year-old Jesse Parkinson snowboarding, it's easy to assume that he's been riding since before he could walk. But this is only his third season on a snowboard — yes, you read that correctly. Growing up surfing on the Sunshine Coast, Jesse is clearly having no problems transferring his skills to snowboarding. It also doesn't hurt when your riding buddy is Valentino Guseli — one of Australia's most talented young snowboarders. Jesse pushes himself hard, taking many big slams along the way as he continues to progress at an astounding rate. He broke his collarbone in Saas-Fee but nothing could wipe that infectious smile from his face. Whether on a surfboard or snowboard, Jesse Parkinson has a bright future ahead of him. We wish him the best of luck as he pursues his dreams. This is his 2017 edit from Perisher and The Stomping Grounds, Saas-Fee.